A Woman's Dressing Space

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Shoe shelves can organize up to a dozen pairs of shoes and provide affordable and space-saving options in closets. For a larger space, such as a walk-in closet, tiered and stackable shelves are available in wood, resin, metal, clear plastic and metal rods. Canvas options are available in freestanding and hanging varieties for use in both large and small spaces.

For the fashionista who has more shoes than clothes, it's wise to consider how these favorite items are showcased. ClosetMaid has created the perfect system for pumps, boots and flats to take center stage.

With the right materials, a boy's closet can be just as mature as an adult's closet. Designed by Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., this maple shelving system with a sienna stain adds a sophisticated touch to a boy's bedroom. Wooden cubbies provide an attractive way to store shoes and hats.

Stackable shelves are durable enough to last for several seasons but reasonably priced so that replacing them won't break your budget. The mesh and wire versions allow for air circulation and adjustable heights but the shoes can accumulate dust.

Look for shelves that are easy to assemble and beware of inferior quality products, which can bend easily under the weight of the shoes, and not stay together as well as sturdier models. Consider models with rubber capped feet to prevent shelves from scratching floors. Shelves with rod bases are not well suited for stiletto shoes and make sure yours are deep enough to fit men's shoes.

Melamine, resin, clear plastic boxes and pasteboard systems can be sturdy and are easy to assemble. Their quality varies greatly and the size and style of shoes may impact the number of shoes that they can hold. These modular systems can be effective ways to use under-utilized spaces, such as under hanging clothes and on shelves above closet rods.

Also consider going vertical, with shelves affixed to the walls, freestanding, hanging or even suspended from floor-to-ceiling tension rods.